Without going into the detailed explanation of dream cycles and REM sleep, etc., I can tell you that there is a direct correlation between dreaming "too much" and an imbalance in our psychiatric and emotional cycles. Which causes which? Both affect each other. Too much REM sleep time deprives you of necessary delta sleep, the stage of sleep during which the body repairs itself. Not getting enough of either REM or delta stage sleep sets off a cycle of problems.

I researched this a bit and learned to lessen the frenetic pace of dreams, you can try to get more and better quality sleep:*Avoid alcohol, drugs and sleep aids that will disrupt your sleep cycle.*Attend to your waking life problems because stress will affect your dreams as a way to "work them out."*Get early morning sunlight to help reset your Circadian clock.*Avoid nicotine.*Vent your waking life frustrations to a counselor. This will alleviate the mind's need to vent during dreaming.

Although one should try to avoid sleep aids, according to the above suggestions, I think that those with brain imbalance should consult a doctor. There are some sleep disorders that can be helped with non-addictive sleep aids on a temporary basis.

I myself was given some temporary sleep aids when my son died. It was a short-term thing and my mind and body benefitted greatly. I recall that I awoke not recalling any dreams at all for the first time in my life, and I woke up feeling completely rested for the first time in a long time.

Today, I sleep well and dream a LOT. I recall having numerous dreams every night. But the best news is that I awaken feeling well rested.

Sleep disorders are serious. My son's brain, due to his condition, would not shut down to sleep and the doctor said his brain would push his body until it broke down. Not saying you in particular have a sleep disorder, Jilly, but I went on a tangent here.

Anyway, do consult a doctor if possible to see if you can get help resetting your sleep cycle. Do you sleep much longer than 8 hours a day? Or less than 8?

The terror nitemares are the worst.Around here ,where I live ,I would not be able to see wether a shrink or psychologists.The girl I met said my case was not serious enough to be presented to ateam who decides if you can see someone ,unless we pay.Healthcare is free in Quebec.But The most important is that I am happy with all that physical suffering.ALL is in the MIND

Tell you a good one.One day a woman phones me ,saying that I had been on a list for 4 YEARS to see a clinic for pain of my knees.

I just watched a NOVA program on dreams and it was reported that different types of dreams occur during both REM and non-REM sleep. However, many people with medical conditions can remain in REM sleep for too long which results in exhaustion and over-dreaming.

Why does one remain in REM sleep (or non-REM sleep for that matter)? That is for the doctors and researchers to answer. It could be, as Dr. Hershey mentioned, a side effect of your medication.

And to loong: You are dealing with so much. Without decent sleep, it is hard for the mind and body to regulate themselves.